Multiple choice

The Multiple (single) choice question type is the most common form of question used in the OU's paper-based CMA system which was used by large numbers of modules in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s and remains in use today.

Typically the learner is provided with a question and a range of possible answers and asked to choose one. The skill in writing multiple choice questions is in providing questions that expose misunderstanding of the materials under test such that suitable distractors can be written. The response to the distractors can then be used to provide remedial feedback to help students overcome their misunderstanding.

Along with the Multiple (single) choice question type, the Multiple response question type is the most common form of question used in the OU's paper-based CMA system. The Multiple response question type requires the student to choose multiple options.